ABSTRACT
Applying the established principles of independent animation to longer-form projects, this section of the book explores two prominent feature film case studies Cheatin’ (directed by Bill Plympton) and Rocks in my Pockets (directed by Signe Baumane). Beginning with an overview of Plympton’s independent film endeavors and how they organically developed into feature-length prospects, in The Commitment Factor, we examine Baumane’s approaches to collaboration and how involving other practitioners informed her own creative process and decisions regarding sound, production design, animation approaches and casting. Story Development’s Greatest Ally: Feedback outlines the importance of soliciting feedback and constructive criticism at all stages of project development and production as well as where and who to turn to. In the final section Staying Visible, Keeping Afloat, we look at how both practitioners maintained an online presence for their respective productions and the value doing so has for staying motivated and cultivating an audience in the lead-up to a film’s release.
